Knowing what the weather will do on the ocean is important, and North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney is working to restore safety measures on the water for mariners.
For about a year, Environment Canada’s Fanny Island weather station hasn’t reported, and earlier this summer, the Sentry Shoal weather station went offline, too, said Blaney.
Fanny Island is the only sea-level weather station between the Comox and Powell River waters all the way to Port Hardy. Sentry Shoal is the main weather station where the strait opens up, and provides the most accurate marine weather for Comox, Campbell River and Powell River areas.
“Anyone who uses the waters in our area knows the weather can turn very quickly,” said Blaney. “This is a huge hazard for people who work, play or travel in the area to be unaware of changing weather conditions. Every boat, from dinghy to cruise ship, uses that information to travel safely. Not only that, but Environment Canada relies on these readings to more accurately measure trends and forecast the weather along the entire coast and into the interior.”
Environment Canada does not have any vessels of its own to repair these buoys, so staff must rely on the coast guard to take them out to do the work, according to Blaney. Local residents have enquired about the status of these repairs and have been told they are “not yet scheduled.”
“I have had dozens of constituents contact my office, concerned for their own safety, and that of other mariners,” said Blaney. “It is totally irresponsible of this government to ignore these issues. These ministries need to move on this and make these repairs. Until they do, they are leaving our people at risk. Will it take having to respond to a maritime emergency for action?”
Blaney contacted the ministers responsible for Environment Canada, the coast guard, and Transport Canada on July 25 and has yet to receive a response from any of them.
“This is an accident waiting to happen; we need someone to get out there and fix these weather stations,” said Blaney. “Marine safety for people living in rural communities does not seem to matter to this government.”
In the meantime, Blaney encourages everyone who is out on the water to continue sharing weather information with one another and to stay safe.
